Cat Adds Six Mini Excavators To Next Generation Lineup In 7- To 10-Ton Range

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The six new mini excavators that Caterpillar recently added to its Next Generation lineup range in horsepower from 55.9 to 70.3. Digging depths for the models range from 13.4 to 17 feet (4.1 to 5.2 meters). (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Caterpillar’s Next Generation range of mini hydraulic excavators has grown, with six new models that fall into the 7- to 10-ton (6.4- to 9.1-metric-ton) category and offer operating weights of 18,512 to 22,447 pounds (8,397 to 10,182 kilograms). As with Cat’s existing mini excavators, the manufacturer says the new models offer heavy-duty main structures, fuel-efficient engines, load-sensing hydraulics, roomy cabs, and Cat’s exclusive Stick-Steer system, which enables easily switching from conventional lever/foot-pedal steering controls to joystick control.

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Caterpillar recently expanded its range of Next Generation mini excavators with six models that fall in the 7- to 10-ton (6.4- to 9.1-metric-ton) range. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Meet The Models

In addition to the 307.5, a standard tail-swing model with fixed boom, the new models include the 308 CR (compact radius model with swing boom), 308 CR VAB (offers a variable-angle swing boom), 309 CR (compact radius, swing boom, and high-flow auxiliary hydraulics), 309 CR VAB (extends the 309 CR with a variable-angle boom), and 310 (fixed boom, standard tail swing, and twin-blade cylinders enabling heavy-duty dozing tasks). Standard dig depths from the models range from 13.4 to 17 feet (4.1 to 5.2 meters).

Among the new models, the 307.5, 308 CR, and 309 CR offer a long-stick option to expand dig depths by roughly 22 inches (55.9 centimeters). The 308 CR VAB and 309 CR VAB’s variable-angle boom, meanwhile, is well-suited for digging in tight work areas. While the 307.5 uses a 55.9-horsepower Cat C2.4 turbo diesel engine, the other models use a 70.3-horsepower Cat C3.3 diesel engine. Additionally, while the 307.5, 308 CR, and 309 CR offer a standard undercarriage length, the 309 offers a long-undercarriage option. The 310 only offers a long undercarriage.

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The 310 mini excavator model that Cat recently added to its Next Generation lineup of mini excavators comes with a long undercarriage and features a fixed boom, standard tail swing, and twin-blade cylinders that enable it to tackle heavy-duty dozer chores. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Talking Hydraulics

All six models include a sealed, pressurized cab with redesigned heating/ventilating/air conditioning system, suspension seats, and Next Generation LCD monitor displaying machine information and integrating a jog-dial to navigate settings. Other features include a machine-security system, Bluetooth, front sliding window, skylight, and rear camera. In addition to Cat’s Stick-Steer system coming standard on all models, the new mini excavators use what Cat says is an “efficient, fuel-saving, load-sensing” hydraulic system with an electronically controlled variable-displacement piston pump. The pump on the 307.5 and 308 models can produce oil flows of 44 gallons (167 liters) per minute, while the 309 and 310 models’ pump offers 62 gallons (235 liters) per minute.

Source: Caterpillar

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